Assessment of The Gastrointestinal System

ASSESSMENT OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
HEALTH HISTORY/ HISTORY TAKING
- A focused GI assessment begins with a complete history. Information about abdominal

pain, dyspepsia, gas, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fecal incontinence,
jaundice, and previous GI disease is obtained (Weber & Kelley, 2014).
COMMON SYMPTOMS
1. PAIN
2. DYSPEPSIA
3. INTESTINAL GAS
4. NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Nausea
- Is an unpleasant feeling of needing to vomit. People also may feel dizziness, vague
discomfort in the abdomen, and an unwillingness to eat.
Vomiting
- A forceful contraction of the stomach that propels its contents up the esophagus and out
the mouth.
- Severe vomiting can project stomach contents many feet (projectile vomiting).
Vomitus
- the material that is vomited up—usually reflects what was recently eaten. Sometimes it
contains chunks of food.
 Red- blood; hematemesis

 Yellow-green- bile
CAUSES
The most common causes of nausea and vomiting are

 Gastroenteritis (infection of the digestive tract)
 Drugs
 Toxins
 Eating disorders
 Lifestyle Choices
Nausea
The most common causes of nausea are intense pain — usually from an injury or illness — and
the first trimester of pregnancy. There are also several other relatively common causes,
including:
 motion sickness
 emotional stress
 indigestion
 food poisoning
 viruses
 exposure to chemical toxins
Vomiting in children
 severe motion sickness

 coughing
 high fevers
 overeating
Vomiting in adults
 Bacterial or viral infection

 Food poisoning
Chronic stomach conditions
 Diarrhea
 Constipation
 Stomach pain
 Celiac Disease
 Lactose intolerance
Warning signs
 Signs of dehydration (such as thirst, dry mouth, little or no urine output, and feeling weak
and tired)
 Headache, stiff neck, confusion, or decreased alertness
 Constant abdominal pain
 Tenderness when the abdomen is touched
 Distended (swollen) abdomen
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
 Physical Examination
 Pregnancy Test
 Blood and urine tests
TREATMENT/PREVENTION
Self-treatment for nausea
 Consume only light, plain foods, such as bread and crackers.

 Avoid any foods that have strong flavors, are very sweet, or are greasy or fried.
 Drink cold liquids.
 Avoid any activity after eating.
Self-treatment for vomiting
 Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

 Drink a large amount of clear fluids to remain hydrated, but consume it in small sips at a
time.
 Avoid solid foods of any kind until vomiting stops.
 Rest.
 Avoid using medications that may upset your stomach, such as nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
 Use an oral rehydration solution to replace lost electrolytes.
MEDICAL CARE
- Conducting tests to confirm

- Medications
1. For vomiting caused by motion sickness: Antihistamines (such
as dimenhydrinate), scopolamine patches, or both
2. For mild to moderate symptoms: Prochlorperazine, promethazine, or metoclopramide
3. For severe vomiting (including vomiting caused by
chemotherapy): Dolasetron, ondansetron, or granisetron, or sometimes aprepitant
NURSING MANAGEMENT
- Nurse in a safe position to protect the airway and remove dentures

- Use appropriate infection control measures
- Maintain adequate ventilation and comfortable environmental temperature
- Observe for signs of dehydration
- Restrict or provide oral fluids and diet, as instructed
- Maintain an accurate fluid balance chart; measure and assess vomit
- Assist with mouth care and personal hygiene (change of clothes etc)
- Use appropriate infection control measures
- Administer antiemetics as prescribed, evaluate effectiveness and monitor for side-effects
- Provide vomit bowls and tissues, and replace promptly when used
- Administer intravenous fluid and electrolytes, as prescribed
- Maintain privacy and dignity and provide physical comfort. Hold vomit bowl and wipe
mouth
- Assist with the avoidance of food smells and strong odors
5. CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS AND STOOL CHARACTERISTICS
PAST HEALTH, FAMILY, AND SOCIAL HISTORY
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

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ASSESSMENT OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

HEALTH HISTORY/ HISTORY TAKING

- A focused GI assessment begins with a complete history. Information about abdominal

 Red- blood; hematemesis

The most common causes of nausea and vomiting are

 severe motion sickness

 Bacterial or viral infection

Chronic stomach conditions

Self-treatment for nausea

 Consume only light, plain foods, such as bread and crackers.

Self-treatment for vomiting

 Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

- Conducting tests to confirm

- Nurse in a safe position to protect the airway and remove dentures

5. CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS AND STOOL CHARACTERISTICS

PAST HEALTH, FAMILY, AND SOCIAL HISTORY

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